Deformation behavior of Zr- and Ni-based bulk glassy alloys

This article presents a comparative study of the deformation-induced structural changes observed within a glassy phase in two different Zr- and Ni-based alloys. Ductile Zr₆₅Al_7.5Ni₁₀Pd_17.5 bulk glassy alloy, which exhibits dynamic nanocrystallization forming a crystalline cubic phase within shear bands on plastic deformation, is presumed to contain pre-existing nuclei. On the contrary, no obvious dynamic nanocrystallization is observed within the shear bands in the glassy phase of the Ni₅₀Pd₃₀P₂₀ bulk alloy, which, however, contains clear medium-range order zones on the order of 1 nm in size in an as-solidified state. This alloy exhibits nucleation and growth-transformation behavior on heating. At the same time, clear nucleation and growth of the cubic Ni-based phase are observed near the microcrack area in the deformed sample. High energy released at the time of the microcrack propagation caused nanocrystallization and blockage of the crack-tip propagation.